For well over a decade, I have enjoyed the Christmas music performed by Mannheim Steamroller. I have four or five of their Christmas CD’s and each one holds at least one favorite for me. The first time I heard the Christmas Carol “Still. Still, Still” was on a recording from this group. When the blue Presbyterian Hymanl was published, there was this new favorite of mine included in its pages. A few years ago, our church’s chancel choir sang “Still” as an anthem during this season as a little gift to me.

Still, still, still.
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star, its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes Let sleep surround you,
Sleep, sleep, sleep.
‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

The words and the melody of this Austrian carol give me a great sense of peace.

The coming of our Savior can bring us peace. In Luke’s gospel, an old believer named Simeon rejoiced at what the coming of Jesus meant to him, as he met this baby in the temple.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

Our Savior has come, on a beautiful night in Bethlehem. And we have been granted peace. Now we can:

Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come while guardian angels without number watch you as you sweetly slumber. Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.

Prayer

Let us rest in the knowledge that we are loved and saved by the grace of the Babe of Bethelhem, in whose name we pray. Amen